Florence council affirms at-will separation of officer David Guthrie and approves ordinance clarifying police serve at pleasure

The Florence City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 10 to treat the separation of officer David Guthrie as an at-will (at-pleasure) separation and to approve on second reading Ordinance 2026-02, clarifying that police officers serve at the pleasure of the City Council.

Council action followed an executive session under Tex. Gov’t Code §551.071 and a later open hearing under §551.074(a)(2) on a complaint filed by David Guthrie. In open session at 6:33 p.m., Mayor Pro Tem Mary Condon moved that Guthrie’s separation be determined to have occurred pursuant to the city’s at-will policy and was not disciplinary; Council Member Mary Jane Swope seconded. The motion carried with no opposing votes.

Council returned to consider the grievance filed by Guthrie and, after discussion, Mary Jane Swope moved to resolve the grievance as moot in light of the prior determination; Mary Condon seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The council’s minutes state the city expressly reserves all rights and defenses available under applicable law.

Separately, Council approved the second reading of Ordinance 2026-02. Council Member Mary Condon proposed an amendment that the ordinance take effect immediately upon passage; that amendment was adopted and the amended second reading carried without opposition. The ordinance text as described in the minutes clarifies the city’s view that police officers serve at the pleasure of the council consistent with the city’s at-will employment policy.

The meeting record does not include substantive quotes from Guthrie or additional factual findings about the circumstances of his separation. The council adjourned at 7:42 p.m.